In the Know: Sun Safe on the Slopes

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Skin care and sun safety is as important in winter as it is in summer. You can still get a sunburn on an overcast day because 80% of the sun's UV rays can pass through the clouds. UV rays are invisible and UVB rays are the primary cause of sun burning, premature aging of the skin, and the development of skin cancer.

If you are planning on hitting the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, it is even more important to cover up and wear sunscreen because snow acts like a mirror and bounces UV rays up towards your face.

Did you know:

Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun's UV rays towards your face - that's 150% more exposure to harmful UV rays than if you were at the beach.

Altitude increases your risk - for every 1000 feet above sea level, there's 7% less ozone to protect you from the sun's UV rays. For example, at 10,000 feet, you are 70% more exposed to UV rays than you are at sea level.